What was your favorite performance during your years at Oberlin?

I’ve loved performing with the orchestras here. When I sang Bartok with Sinfonietta and Mendelssohn with the Chamber Orchestra: It is such an amazing experience to be singing with an entire body of musical instruments behind you!

Do you have anyone in particular you would like to thank?

My mom, dad, and sister. They’re always so supportive of me and let me move at my own pace (which is generally a more relaxed pace). They’ve always trusted that I know what’s best for myself as a singer and as a young adult and are always willing to stand by my side for what I think is best for me… even if, for now, it’s taking a break from education to raise lions.

What do you like to do when you’re not singing?

When I’m free I love going shopping, watching movies, wine tasting, going to the gym, hanging out with my cats, cooking, and I have tons of fun going to parties.  

Where do you plan to go after graduation?

I’m not 100% sure. I’m going to get my bar tending license this summer and get a job in a town near a good conservatory so I can continue lessons during my year off. I’m also planning on spending a month or two in Africa to volunteer at a big cat conservation. I’d be raising lion cubs and releasing them into the wild at adolescence. I’m a huge animal lover and I’m really excited to have a year off to take advantage of some really fun and interesting opportunities like that.

What is your earliest memory of singing?

I’ve wanted to be a singer since I was tiny, but my first concrete memory of singing is my very first voice recital in 4th grade. I forgot the words to “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and stood like a deer in headlights on stage forever trying to remember. I eventually did, after a few awkward moments, and continued the song. My family was very proud of me for not crying and running off stage at any opportunity (and I assume they still are) which felt really nice.

What makes your #seniorrecital special?

I’ll be performing two pieces by Tchaikovsky in Russian; they’re rarely done in recital here but they’re so heartfelt and beautiful. Also, the second half of the recital consists of pieces from Aaron Copland’s 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson which are standard songs that I hope to bring a new interpretation to.

Plus, my gown is really warm and they haven’t started air conditioning Kulas yet, so there’s about a 50/50 chance of me passing out at any given moment.